Upscale Getaways: Wine Tours and Camping

While 90 percent of the nation’s wine production stems from California’s famous valleys, emerging wine regions are popping up all across America. And many RV parks and campgrounds are catering specifically to the growing wine tourism culture, including some of these spots.

California

California wine country attracts about 20.7 million tourists annually, and is the fourth-leading wine producer worldwide after Italy, Spain and, of course, France. Though the most well known wine region of California is Napa Valley, wineries are sprinkled along the coast as far south as San Diego.

Wine Country RV Park: Located just five miles south of Santa Rosa –considered to be the urban center in wine country,the site features more than 150 full-service RV hook ups with water, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Nestled in the heart of Rohnert Park, visitors are mere minutes from hiking and cycling paths, golf courses and public parks.

Far Horizons 49er Village RV Resort: Far Horizons, in the Sierra Foothills, is within a stone’s throw of more than 35 award-winning wineries. Located in Amador County, visitors can take a break from wine tasting to tour the nearby historic towns dating back to the Gold Rush. This resort also offers cottage rentals for those who prefer a home away from home sans four wheels.

Dutcher Creek RV Park and Campground: This campground in Cloverdale offers a quiet setting, with easy access to the Russian River. Whether your passion is fishing, canoeing or boating, Dutcher Creek provides an excellent home base for adventurers and wine-drinkers of all ages. Another perk? Dutcher Creek offers handy boat and RV storage.

Traverse City is known as the “Cherry Capital of the World.” The same landscape of northern Michigan that makes for excellent cherries also lends itself to remarkable wine production. The cooler temperatures of northern Michigan allow wine to hold aroma and fruit flavors like no other. While the region specializes in white wine production, it now also boasts delightful red and dessert wine varieties. Northern Michigan is even being referred to as the Napa Valley of the northeast—and for good reason.

Thunder Bay Resort: This all-season resort, located on 500 acres in Hillman and is known for its award-winning Elk Viewing Dinner Ride and Wine Tasting. Thunder Bay also boasts an 18-hole golf course for every putting enthusiast, and offers suites, villas and chalets as homes away from home for guests.

Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort: Whether renting a cabin, pitching a tent or rolling up for the weekend in an RV, Timber Ridge has something to offer for every adventurer. This park is open year round. After all, every season is wine-tasting season.

Wild Cherry Resort: Wild Cherry Resort, located in Leelanau County, is surrounded by cherry orchards, vineyards and woodlands and provides a pristine escape for all visitors. The resort offers tent sites, yurt rentals and RV hook-ups.

Pennsylvania

You may think the northeastern United States isn’t exactly known for its vineyards—but Pennsylvania wine country may change your mind. The region has come a long way since the first vineyard started more than 300 years ago. Today, more than 150 wineries and nearly a dozen wine trails make up the state’s six wine regions.

Whispering Winds Campground: This campground, nestled in the beautiful Allegheny National Forest, is the perfect place for a family getaway. Allegheny National Forest is considered by many to be the gateway to Big Foot territory. Visitors can track Sasquatch then reward themselves with the nectar of Allegheny Cellars Winery or Flickerwood Winery.

Brandywine Creek Campground: Located near the Brandywine Vineyard Wine Trail, this campground is all about location. It’s close to the historic Philadelphia and Valley Forge National Park and borders Marsh Creek State Park, making it a great home base for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Round Top Campground: Round Top Campground offers cottage and cabin rentals, as well as RV hook-ups for guests. This campground is the perfect place for active families with an Olympic sized swimming pool, mini golf, volleyball and basketball courts and more right on-site. Located in Gettysburg, this park is also just minutes from one of the most important historical sites of the Civil War.

Virginia

Virginia is home to 16 wine regions, more than 25 wine trails and about 250 wineries of all sizes. The first Virginia winery was established in Jamestown by British settlers more than 400 years ago, and the industry has steadily increased in size ever since. Today, Virginia wines have received national and international recognition—and for good reason.

Meadows of Dan Campground: Meadows of Dan Campground, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers full service RV campgrounds, tent campsites and log cabins available for rent. While visiting, guests can explore the Blue Ridge Wine Region with more than a dozen nearby wineries to choose from.

Candy Hill Campground: Just outside of Winchester, Candy Hill is a year-round campground with RV hook-ups, tent sites and small cabins available for rent. Though the campground is tucked away in the woods, it sits just a matter of miles from the wineries along Tuskie’s Wine Trail.

Shenandoah Valley Campground: This campground is located near the Middle River, and is an excellent vacation spot for visitors looking to fish, tube and try some of Virginia’s finest wines. The Shenandoah Valley wine region is home to more than 30 wineries, and many of them just a short drive from this campground.